When using stepladders UK for any simple purpose, either at home or at work, it is important to consider what you are wearing from a safety perspective. Stepladders are often seen as a normal addition to many homes and therefore the health and safety practices can be overlooked.

Before using stepladders it is important to be wearing suitable attire for your safety. Check your footwear as this should be flat and firm-heeled shoes. Do not attempt to work on stepladders in your bare feet or wearing slippers. Never use stepladders while wearing high heels. The clothing you wear when working on a stepladder should be comfortable and loose. However it should not be loose to the point of catching in anything.

Never wear a skirt or wide trousers when using step ladders as they are not safe attire for this type of work. If you wear tight fitting clothes such as jeans, it is best not to wear them while using a step ladder as they will restrict your movement and if very tight may affect your balance as you move. It is better not to wear jewellery either, especially chains or bracelets that could catch in your clothes. Ideally remove all jewellery before starting your work on a step ladder.

A combination of comfortable, flexible clothing, which are neither too baggy or flowing, with no jewellery is the safe option to wear. Additionally consider your environment, checking that you are working on a flat, firm base with sufficient room. There should be no overhead hazards and no danger of someone entering your work space suddenly, for example through a nearby door and causing you to fall off the step ladder. You should cordon off your work area for extra safety. Stepladders UK should be used as safely in a home environment as they would be in a well-run workplace.